Robert John Goodsell

Robert John Goodsell, age 67 of Northville, Michigan, passed away on December 25, 2025.

Robert was born at the Offutt Air Force Base in Sarpy County, Nebraska on February 20, 1958 to Colonel Leonard J. and Mary Goodsell. He is survived by his wife of 13 years, Lea; brothers Jim Goodsell (Ewa) and Richard Goodsell; nieces Beth (Jeremy) and Alison; nephews Paul (Bethany) and Dan (Kim); grand nieces Audrey, Addison, Julia, and Laura. Robert is also survived by his former brother-in-law Philip Bickel and his wife Audie. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Susan Bickel.

Robert grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan and graduated from Pioneer High School in 1976. He graduated from Michigan State University in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He continued to further his studies and graduated with a Master of Architecture from the University of Illinois in 1983. Bob worked as a preservation architect for the Alabama Historical Commission. He returned to Ann Arbor and secured a position with the University of Michigan as a programmer at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) where he retired in 2020 after 20 years. During his time with UMTRI, Bob also was an adjunct instructor for the Industrial and Operations Engineering department.

Bob was an avid runner and cyclist. He also loved to travel with his wife Lea and enjoyed planning their numerous trips. He was especially proud to have travelled to all 50 states.

Music was a passion for Bob. He played the trumpet in the Pioneer High School band as well as the Michigan State University Marching Band. He immensely enjoyed giving trumpet lessons to his student, Conrad. Bob will always be remembered by his family for the lyrics that he would personalize and perform to a song for them on their birthdays.

Bob shared his love of ballroom and Latin dancing with his wife Lea. They were both students with Arthur Murray Dance studios for many years participating in many dance showcases. Their favorite dance showcase was a Polka to a song merging the fight songs for Michigan State University and the University of Michigan.

Friends may visit the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 South Main Street, Plymouth, on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

A Funeral service will be held at the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 South Main Street, Plymouth, on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 11am.